Building Your Own Extra-Large Keyboard 305
Ant writes "ModAsylum.com has an article on how to make your own extra-large homemade keyboard." Or, if you're handy with tweezers, extra-small.
Our policy is, when in doubt, do the right thing. -- Roy L. Ash, ex-president, Litton Industries
Big keys (Score:2)
yea (Score:4, Funny)
Re:yea (Score:4, Interesting)
I'll second that. It's amazing how little computer hardware manufacturers think of disabled people. If you're one-handed and you're looking for a good chord keyboard, you better be prepared to spend a lorryload of money for one of the precious few options available.
Funnily enough, I've seen armless people type on a regular keyboard with their feet a lot more easily than with one hand. Maybe big keyboards would improve these guys' typing speed too...
Re:yea (Score:2, Funny)
> I'll second that. It's amazing how little computer hardware manufacturers think > of disabled people.
I'm not entirely sure he was talking about disabled people...
http://www.fishkeeping.co.uk/
Comment removed (Score:5, Funny)
It reminds me of this from bash.org: (Score:2, Funny)
Re:yea (Score:4, Funny)
Heh heh.... he said "coming".
Re:yea (Score:3, Informative)
One handed keyboards [half-qwerty.com]
One handed keyboards [maltron.com]
Re:yea (Score:3, Informative)
Solution: right or left hand simplified keyboard ( (Score:2)
.
Re:yea (Score:2)
http://www.maltron.com/
The store I work at is a Canadian distributor of Maltron. We've only sold a few, but the customers are always quite impressed with them.
Final pic (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Final pic (Score:5, Informative)
Honey, I Screwed With the Keyboard! (Score:3, Funny)
Modern crappy keyboards (Score:5, Insightful)
It was slightly noticeable that the 'full size' keyboard on my powerbook was bigger than the one on my girlfriends PC, but the kicker came when i dug my old Amiga 500 out of storage. The keyboard seemed so massive!
So i ended up taking a very old keyboard from a server in my attic and using that. It's so old it has no windows keys, and the big clunky keys are heavenly compared to the modern flat logitect styles. [tigerdirect.com]
Re:Modern crappy keyboards (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Modern crappy keyboards (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Modern crappy keyboards (Score:3, Interesting)
Once you get used to
Re:Modern crappy keyboards (Score:2)
Re:Modern crappy keyboards (Score:2)
Re:Modern crappy keyboards (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Modern crappy keyboards (Score:2)
The one that came with the PS/2? I never understood the deal with that one. Keys that go 'click' and require that pressure to push down just didn't feel right to me.
Personally, I'd like a non-membrane keyboard that felt like the one that (most) BBC Micros had, or a Wyse terminal keyboard I used to use, neither of which had a particular 'pressure' point, but felt better than your typical membrane job.
It has to be said that although most membrane keyboards aren't too nice, some of them are
Source for IBM Model M keyboards -- (Score:4, Informative)
I have no experience with the company, I just know they exist. [I still have a couple more original Model Ms in storage.
Re:Modern crappy keyboards (Score:2)
Great keyboards.
One of my roomies in college had a Northgate PC (so did some of the PC labs), and they had t
Re:Modern crappy keyboards (Score:3, Informative)
If anyone cares, Creative Vision Technologies, Inc. (CVT) has the Northgate keyboard clones. They can be found here [cvtinc.com]. There's also a fairly current review of them at PC World [pcworld.com].
Re:Err, that's "Logitech". With a capital L. (Score:2, Funny)
Honey, I shrunk the CygWin [twu.net]
It's "Cygwin".
Speling eras. (Score:2)
Re:Speling eras. (Score:2)
Did he mean...
For all intents and purposes [wsu.edu] ?
Another example of the oral transformation of language by people who don't read much...
Re:Speling eras. (Score:2)
Re:Speling eras. (Score:2)
This might help. (Score:2)
To go with the extra-large keyboard... (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:To go with the extra-large keyboard... (Score:2, Funny)
Designed for two to six year olds with a range of cognitive and physical abilities,
So if you have a six year old with only one cognitive or physical ability, this is not for them.
Re:To go with the extra-large keyboard... (Score:2)
here you go... [bigkeys.com]
Slashdotted (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Slashdotted (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Slashdotted (Score:3, Funny)
"Sorry to wake you Joe, but the server needs a reboot and I need to to come into the office and stand on the delete key while I press the other two."
"No, Fred can't do it, he's not heavy enough"
Re:Slashdotted (Score:3, Funny)
Interesting note. (Score:3, Informative)
The first typewriters actually had properly sized keys, but they discovered that an unfortunate degree of jamming would occur as efficient typists would outpace the little hammers with the letters on them! Rather than trying to use some revolutionary alloy in the hammers to decrease their weight, it was determined that a cheaper solution was needed for mass-production -- and they settled on shrinking the keys, which slowed down even the best typists to an acceptable 50-60WPM (although later models did decrease hammer timing.)
So today we are left with an antiqutitated model, and as with dvorak key layouts larger keys provide a technically better alternative that is unfortunately incompatible with what most current typists are comfortable and efficient with.
Re:Interesting note. (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Interesting note. (Score:3, Interesting)
Ever consider that happened long enough ago that there weren't any "revolutionary alloys" available?
P.S. Dvorak doesn't improve speed. That's a fallacy. Navy did a study, no improvement (even with newly trained typists).
Re:Interesting note. (Score:2)
I can't vouch for the average, but I went from 70 to 80+ by switching keyboards, though that may have something to do with the fact that I relearned things correctly. Now, if you forget statistics for a while, why wouldn't speed improve? Your fingers type a lot less distance.
Having said all that, comfort is the greatest reason to switch. My wrists just don't hurt anymore. The only pai
Re:Interesting note. (Score:2)
That's a myth [mwbrooks.com]. The dvorak layout is excellent.
As other posters have noticed, though, the primary gains are ergonomical rather than in speed.
Re:Interesting note. (Score:2)
I've had wrist problems, and I find the Dvoark layout to be stupendous compared to QWERTY.
(Granted, I don't have exactly a scientific rationale for saying this because I modified two variables when I switched. Before I would do sorta an advanced form of multi-finger hun
Re:Interesting note. (Score:4, Informative)
1. The mechanism was basically based on thin metal levers, with a key at one end and a small metal hammer with an embossed letter on it at the other end. You pressed the key, the little hammer was pushed towards the paper. (You had to actually hit the keys pretty hard, too, especially when you wanted 2 carbon copies.)
2. Because it was a mechanical contraption, rather than wires, the whole mechanism was arranged in the only way that was easy to make and robust to operate: with as little overlap as possible. I.e., for keys that were physically near each other (e.g., A and Q, or A and S), the hammers would also be near each other.
3. Unfortunately, due to the very construction, the closer two hammers were, the easier it was to jam the typewriter if you pressed both at the same time. E.g., if you pressed Q and W at the same time, the machine would pretty much always jam, whereas pressing Q and P at the same time would almost never jam.
So the problem was basically not how fast you typed, but whether you pressed two adjacent keys at the same time. E.g., if you typed "assassin", and starting pressing the S before the A was released, or viceversa, you'd have a good probability to jam the thing.
I.e., again, QWERTY was not supposed to slow people down, per se, but rather simply to reduce the probability that two consecutively used hammers would be phyisically near each other. That was the problem: the hammers, not the keys, not the typist speed as such. However, due to the purely mechanical (and somewhat primitive) relationship between keys and hammers, the easiest way to solve that was to rearrange the keys too.
Think "side-effect", rather than "goal."
The "goal" for the key layout itself was actually the opposite: to convince that time's PHBs that the new layout _doesn't_ slow people down too much. Or at least less than stopping to unjam the typewriter did.
Hence the "QWERTYUIOP" row. The rigged tech demo involved was basically "look! I can type TYPEWRITER quickly! It must be an optimal layout!" So all the keys in that word had to be on the same row. Even at the expense of being less effective at preventing jams.
Just, you know, in case you thought idiotic technical decisions being taken by complete incompetents required computers. There you go. A business decision, which was sold based on a rigged and non-representative tech demo. And we're still stuck with it
Re:Interesting note. (Score:2)
Re:Interesting note. (Score:2)
Since every key must strike the same location for proper text alignment, simultaneously pressing two keys will guarantee a jam. However, it is easy to see how when closely timed, a larg
Re:Interesting note. (Score:2)
Is this what you get........ (Score:2, Funny)
Text of the first couple of pages. (Score:5, Informative)
Today: Building your own X-Large Keyboard
by
Since the modding world interested me, I always wanted to create real objects that aren't using premodded stuff. Not to say that I got my own opinion about that kind of stuff =P. Anyway, many modders have always wanted to create an object then others never think about. In that same way, I decided for myself to make a one of a kind keyboard that would be unique. There are certainly others reasons why I created it, like for helping people who need it for any physicals problems that require big-key keyboards for helping them with access to computers. After having created it and having many comments about it, I decided to write a little guide about how it works and how it is possible to build your own. I hope that it will give you ideas about creating your project using PS/2 or other interface via a controller. If you have any comments or question feel free to ask me.
DISCLAIMER
This guide is presented for informational purposes only. By reading this and attempting any of the modifications/instructions within, you agree that the author, Modasylum.com, its staff, and affiliates are released from any liability from any damages resulting from said modifications/instructions performed.
Material
* Plexiglas sheets (6mm thick for the keys, 4mm for the top and back sheets, 2mm for the inside sheets)
* Wires (suggested 2 colors, 24agm, 200 feet)
* Old Keyboard controller (USB, PS/2 or DIN)
* 12, 3 inches bolts
* 96 nuts (same size as the bolts)
* Thin metal sheet (1 foot square)
* Wood rod (1/4 inch thick)
* Epoxy glue
* Plexiglas glue
* Tiny wood screws or micro electronics switches
* Memory foam
* Polishing kit (for plexi)
* Letters stickers
* Different pieces of wood and metal (optional for making templates)
Tools:
* Table saw
* Drill press
* Solder gun
* 1/4" drilling bits (flat end)
* 1 1/4" hole saw (depends on the key size)
* Everyday tools (screw drivers, bits, etc.)
* Clamps
How it works
The main part of a keyboard is the controller that links the keys to the computer. Every controller has different interfaces (USB, PS/2, DIN, etc.) and input pin orders (those that are connected to the keys). Basically, all keys are little push switches that are linked between two input pins; when the switch is activated, the controller sends an encoded signal to the computer. With that information we know that's it's possible to make a keyboard out of switch linked to the PCB. The concept for the project will be to fabricate them in manner that when a key is pressed, there is a contact made between the two inputs pins. For our project, we'll need to have the chart of which pins correspond to which letter or keys on our keyboard. I suggest using the two plastic sheets that are in your keyboard and check where all contacts are going and write it on paper for future use. Here are those for my controller, but I highly suggest you check yours because they could be different from one keyboard to another.
The plans
Before beginning the construction on a project like this one, it's important to make some drawings and be sure that everything will fit perfectly. The concept is really simple: two rods are attached under a Plexiglas square (top of the key). Those rods pass through two thin sheets of Plexiglas and a little piece of metal is attached under the base of the rods so that an electric contact can be made when the key is pressed. Another sheet of plexi will be under the metal pieces with tiny electronic switches or screws on it. When the key is pressed, the pieces of metal will make a contact between two screws, or press the micro switch (depends on your preference and budget).
Or you can buy one (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Or you can buy one (Score:2)
I want a keyboard that is about 25% larger in each dimension, because my hands are (at least) 25% larger than most hands. It should have at least 101 keys and a "proper" layout. Why doesn't anyone make something like this?
Re:Or you can buy one (Score:2)
Another good option is a belkin natural touch; I have one of those too, the belkin is lighter and also opperates as a USB hub, which is nice, but the tactile responce on the microsoft keyboard is excelent, it makes a good and proper 'clikety-click' wi
Re:Or you can buy one (Score:2)
What kind of name is natural touch anyway? What's natural about typing? :P
I have an apple keyboard, which has acceptable tactile response though less physical response than I would like. It's a "pro" keyboard and it seems to be about full size, though I haven't compared it with my (damaged) IBM keyboard or anything.
Re:Or you can buy one (Score:2)
For one thing, their keyboards are available in QWERTY or ABCD. For another thing, if you're a little kid just learning the alphabet, (one of their target audiences) abcd order probably is actually easier.
Tomorrow: Build your own Monitor (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Tomorrow: Build your own Monitor (Score:2, Funny)
Me (looking into the mirror) : "I can't tell if its a pimple or a pixel."
Girlfriend: "POKE it anyways."
If that doesn't say how geeky I am, nothing will.
Re:Tomorrow: Build your own Monitor (Score:2)
Damn, I wondered why my latest pr0n downloads looked so bad. I thought I was just pulling from the wrong usenet group.
Site doesn't work (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Site doesn't work (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Site doesn't work (Score:2, Funny)
you think people click the links to READ information? NO! of course not! its a Legitimate way that the OSDN can DDoS sites they dont like; SCO, RIAA, MS, etc. in this case there was a secret dispute between timothy and mod asylum, so he gave them a right good slashdotting
note: this post may not be entirely factual
Re:Site doesn't work (Score:2)
Is it just me... (Score:4, Funny)
I mean, I was thinking of a big QWERTY style keyboard.
This one just looks like it is designed for very old/young/simple people. The letters are all in alphabetical order and it is decorated with primary colors that harken me back to the McDonald's Play Areas of yore.
If you really want to impress me, make a keyboard out of the spare parts from several Dance Dance Revolution dance pads.
A giant keyboard you have to step on to get to work, now that would be cool, not practical, but cool none the less.
Re:Is it just me... (Score:2)
Heck, I normally *hate* geek toys (if ThinkGeek were relying on me, they're fscked), but I'd seriously consider buying one of them if they were under $150 or so. Yeah, it would have to be huge, but... I want one too.
Well To let you know... (Score:3, Interesting)
The Keyboard layout was alphabetical. With all the vowels in a different color and so were the numbers.
For a small fee... (Score:4, Funny)
Pointless... (Score:3, Funny)
The finished Pic (Score:2, Informative)
http://modasylum.com/articles/lyo/plexi_keyboard/
shame its not a qwertyuiop based keyboard
How about small keyboards? (Score:4, Interesting)
I used to have a Cherry ML4100 [microwarehouse.co.uk], which I really liked, but I just wore it out (letters wore off, unreliable action).
Now I switched to the really slick looking Blu Illuminated Keyboard [thinkgeek.com]. But I am not that happy with it: The feel is too hard and inconsistent, and worst of all, where I'd expect the left Ctrl key, is the "Fn" key (for alternate keys). Still, the looks make up for it.
Re:How about small keyboards? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:How about small keyboards? (Score:2)
I love mine.
Re:How about small keyboards? (Score:3, Informative)
-l
Re:How about small keyboards? (Score:2)
Re:How about small keyboards? (Score:2)
No Keypad!! (Score:2)
All it does is force me to reach further for the mouse and give me pains in my wrists.
I've only been able to find one retailer whose keyboards look like they were donated by the 80s:
http://www.intolect.com/mkbvaldetail.htm
keyboard design (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:keyboard design (Score:2)
Re:keyboard design (Score:2)
Re:keyboard design (Score:2)
I used one of those for a year on my thinkpad. It eventually made my wrist hurt so much that I had to get a wrist support. After moving off the Thinkpad for two months my wrist was OK again.
Re:keyboard design (Score:2)
Many people here would tell you that this is the "correct" setup.
Actually, I have a normal computer set up to do that. It's pretty easy with X if you're running Unix (and even easier with Gnome), and there's a utility in I think the Windows Resource Kit that will let you remap just ab
What about the "action"? (Score:2)
Size and placement is great, but the way a key feels when pressed, how it "breaks", and the speed and feedback it returns with are just as important. Most keyboards I've taken apart either have a fairly specialized switch molded directly into the base plastic, or use a rather compl
Action Item (Score:2)
Then a redefinition of "modification" is needed here. In the keyboards I've disassembled, I found it not difficult (not simple, but simple enough) just to saw the board apart through the base. Keep in mind that thi
Re:Action Item (Score:2)
Thank you.
Account for domain modasylum.com has been... (Score:4, Insightful)
However, what I wanted to say is the following:
It isn't the first time that a site has been slashdotted to such an effect. In this case the number of hits were so extraordinary that the provider decided to close the site.
I don't think this was the sitemakers' intention. Nor slashdot's. Or was it?
Isn't it time we start wondering about the ethics of showing mentioning certain sites?
For example: some amateurs invent something new for fun. Due to the slashdot effect their allocated and paid for bandwith is drastically drained because some nerd or other thought this might be fun to mention on
In other words: does
Let's ponder on this for awhile...
MadMan
--
What does a fish know about the water in which it swims all its life? (A. Einstein, Memoirs)
Re:Account for domain modasylum.com has been... (Score:2)
Re:Account for domain modasylum.com has been... (Score:2)
This is hardly new sentiment. The best way to go about this is that for a small site, the author should be contacted, and the site mirrored if they give their permission, but I'd link to it anyway. If you don't want people visiting your webpage, don't link it.
Anyone seen (Score:2)
Ergo Type M? (Score:2)
Thanks, Bod
Want a power button on my keyboard! (Score:2)
My PC is inside a little cupboard under my desk, and you have to open the door in order to turn it on. Normally that wouldn't be a big deal, but I have a 15-month old daughter who has figured out doors and thinks buttons are pretty cool things (geek in training!) so I need one of those safety catches on the door to keep it closed.
In a nutshell, it's a pain to use. What I would like is a power button on the keyboard that
Re:Want a power button on my keyboard! (Score:2, Informative)
2 - enable "wake on keyboard" in your BIOS.
Re:Want a power button on my keyboard! (Score:2)
Re:Mirrors (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Old fart keyboards (Score:4, Insightful)
Don't be so smug. One say you too will be old, and when you are, the kids with their direct brain computer interfaces will look at you type on your small keyboard and use your small calculator and say "hmm, move on Grandpa".
Respect your elders, you'll be one too some day.
Re:Old fart keyboards (Score:2)
The calculators with big buttons are easier to use, full stop. This isn't an issue if you only use it a couple of times a week, but if you were using it for extended periods, messing around with dinky little calculator keys would soon start to grate.
Re:Old fart keyboards (Score:2)
Yep, but little kids always think that their usage pattern is the only usage pattern. And anyone who doesn't conform to their usage pattern is a loser that they can make fun of.
(One of my first jobs, I had to add up the daily report by hand at the district
Re:Too late... site already smoking in the dust.. (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Nope - doesn't work for me (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Too late... site already smoking in the dust.. (Score:2)
The case for some sort of linked-to-from-/. cache site grows ever larger.
Re:Here ya go, no google cache needed (Score:2)
Re:the best keyboard.. EVER.. (Score:2)